Warning message

WINNIPEG We’re pleased to see that the Government is supporting its commitment to revitalize Manitoba’s economy with new resources and without tax cuts, says Paul Moist, President of CUPE Manitoba.

The Throne Speech, presented today in the Manitoba Legislature, highlighted the economic agenda of the Government for the next year. The Government has also committed itself to implementing the Romanow Commission recommendations on Canada’s health care and to providing major resources which will boost Manitoba’s education, training and research capacity.

Much of what the Government is planning, like the safe school charter, more funding for education, the revisions to pension legislation, will benefit working Manitobans and we’re confident that these initiatives will be successful, said Moist after the Throne Speech.

Where we’re a little disappointed in what the Government said today is in the treatment of social services that Manitobans desperately need. While I’m sure the Government is committed to preserving and enhancing the quality of life enjoyed by Manitobans, it shouldn’t forget the importance of providing the policy and financial support for the reform of social services.

I’m also concerned that the Speech didn’t say much about the major problems public employees are facing. In schools, hospitals, personal care homes and emergency services across the province we’ve seen a tremendous increase in workloads and changes in what workers are expected to do. There is little in the Government’s plan on how these dedicated people can be supported and how they are essential to the economic growth we all want to see, added Moist.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees is Canada’s largest union representing more than a half-million women and men. In Manitoba, CUPE represents 24,000 members who work in health care, school divisions, municipalities, personal care homes, childcare, public utilities, libraries and emergency services.